December13, 2013

Washington, D.C. – Rep. Eliot L. Engel, the senior Democratic member on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, intends to introduce a resolution with other House colleagues when the House reconvenes on Monday, December 16th, expressing support for the democratic and European aspirations of the people of Ukraine. The resolution will call on the Ukrainian government to respect fundamental democratic freedoms of assembly and expression. It will also make clear to Ukraine’s authorities that those who authorize or employ violence against peaceful protestors will be held personally accountable for their actions. Further, the resolution will urge all parties to exercise the utmost restraint and enter into constructive dialogue to find a solution to Ukraine’s current political and economic crisis.

Mr. Engel also released the following statement:

“I continue to be very concerned by the current political and economic crisis in Ukraine. As I have said repeatedly, the government of Ukraine must scrupulously respect democratic rights, and it must heed the wishes of its people for peace, justice, and a democratic and European future for Ukraine. I believe that it is very important that Ukraine’s authorities understand that the use of force against peaceful protesters will not be tolerated, and we should hold those who authorize or engage in such violence personally accountable – including through the use of individually targeted sanctions, if necessary. This is a critical moment in Ukraine’s history, and I urge all parties to avoid confrontation and engage in dialogue to peacefully resolve the current crisis.”